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Lou Jimenez
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Lou Jimenez2025-11-26 18:01:072025-11-26 22:35:44A Growing City, a Shrinking Fire Department: Bethlehem Deserves Better
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Lou Jimenez
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Lou Jimenez2025-11-26 18:01:072025-11-26 22:35:44A Growing City, a Shrinking Fire Department: Bethlehem Deserves Better
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Kyle Dolton
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Kyle Dolton2025-05-15 10:53:572025-05-15 21:19:16510 Flats Fire Response Demonstrates Professionalism and Resilience
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Mike Bullis
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Mike Bullis2025-03-31 19:19:022025-03-31 19:20:083-alarm fire in Bethlehem displaces residents, injures 2 firefighterssign up for our newsletter
Our Mission Statement
Bethlehem Firefighters IAFF Local 735 is dedicated to improving the safety, working conditions, and overall well-being of our members. We are committed to advocating for fair wages, hour, and benefits, while promoting unity and collective bargaining rights at all levels. Our mission includes fosteringstrong relationships amoung our members and enhancing the public’s understanding of the vital role we play in protecting our comminity. Together, we strive to ensure the highest of standards of service and saftey for both our firefighters and the citizens we proudly serve.
How we operate
Local 735 serves four platoons on a rotating schedule: two 9-hour day shifts followed by two 15-hour night shifts, then four days off. Union members attend meetings while off-duty to stay involved and informed. We’re also proud to support our community through public events, charitable drives, and local outreach efforts.
The City of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, is a city rich in history and cultural significance. Covering an area of approximately 19 square miles, and it is home to a diverse population. One of Bethlehem’s most notable events is Musikfest, the nation’s largest free, non-gated music festival. In 2023, Musikfest celebrated its 40th anniversary with a record-breaking attendance of 1,330,000 people, featuring over 450 performers from 26 states and eight countries.
EMS in the Local
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a critical component of public safety—when seconds count, our community depends on a rapid, skilled response. Since 2007, all members of our department have been required to hold EMT certification in order to meet Quick Response Service (QRS) standards.
While our firefighters do not staff ambulances directly, we support EMS operations in other essential ways. Ambulances are housed at Stations 1 and 6, and our personnel are responsible for driving these units to the hospital when needed. This integration was designed to expand coverage across a broader area of the city, enhancing service availability for residents.
At this time, paramedics are not represented under IAFF Local 735.
Last night at 20:17 Engine 1, Engine 3, Ladder 1 and Utility 2 were dispatched to Princeton Ave on the Southside for the report of a dwelling fire with possible entrapment. Utility 2 arrived on scene with fire and smoke showing from the second floor, he then requested the 2nd alarm which brought in Engine 6, Engine 9 and Ladder 2. Engine 1 made an interior fire attack and Ladder 1 did a primary search of the dwelling, prompting the rescue of one victim. Shortly after the rescue was made the Assistant Chief on scene requested the 3rd alarm which brought in Engine 5 to the scene and a couple of units from the City of Allentown to cover Bethlehem while the BFD initiated the recall process of bringing in off duty personnel to respond to calls.
#local735 #ppffa #bethlehem ... See MoreSee Less
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Your Bethlehem firefighters of Local 735 visited the Old York Senior Center for a fire safety talk. Moments like this go beyond the job, they build trust, connection, and a sense of belonging. It’s about showing up for people, especially those who may need it most, and reminding them they’re not forgotten.
Community isn’t built during emergencies… it’s built in moments like these. And that’s something worth recognizing.#community #IAFF #PPFFA #Local735 #staffingmatters 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
Firefighters visit senior center | Lehigh Valley Press
www.lvpnews.com
About 50 Moravian House residents listened to a presentation by Bethlehem firefighters from Engine No. 6 on March 20 at the Old York Road Senior Center. Lt. Josh Anders and firefighters Imboden, Navit...1 CommentsComment on Facebook
**2nd Alarm Fire**
Crews from our Second Platoon are currently operating at a working fire on Dewberry Avenue. Please avoid this area at this time.
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Good work by the Third Platoon last night. #IAFF #ppffa #staffingmatters 🚒🇺🇸 ... See MoreSee Less
Crews battle heavy flames and smoke from trash fire in Bethlehem
6abc.com
Officials say crews were focused on an empty lot where tires and trash were burning.2 CommentsComment on Facebook
'Who’s going to die for this to change?': Staffing crisis grips Lehigh Valley fire services ... See MoreSee Less
'Who’s going to die for this to change?': Staffing crisis grips Lehigh Valley fire services
www.lehighvalleynews.com
Lehigh Valley firefighters warn staffing shortages are worsening as call volumes rise, leaving departments below national standards and increasing risks for crews and residents.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
🚒 2026 Firefighters Gala 🚒
Last night’s Firefighter Gala at Wind Creek Bethlehem was an incredible evening.
It was great to see a mix of our active and retired members, their loved ones, and our sponsors all come together to celebrate and recognize the pride we share in the fire service. The energy in the room made it a truly memorable night.
We’d like to thank our sponsors for their generosity and everyone who came out to support the event, it truly means a lot.
A special thank you to those who worked behind the scenes to make this all happen. Your time and effort did not go unnoticed.
An amazing night all around. #IAFF #PPFFA #Bethlehemsbravest #Local735 ... See MoreSee Less
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🚨This is EXACTLY why we advocate for increased staffing in the Fire Department.🚨
This is what Local 735 is trying to prevent from happening in our city!
The hazards in our profession are increasing. Buildings are more complex, fires are more dangerous, and the expectations placed on firefighters continue to grow. But staffing has not kept pace with those realities.
You cannot expect the same level of safety and performance with fewer people doing more work in more dangerous conditions. That gap is real, and it puts firefighters and the public at risk.
We don’t advocate for staffing because we want to. We advocate for it because we have to.
This is about being able to do the job the right way, with the right number of people, when it matters most.
Staffing is not a luxury. It is a necessity.#IAFF #PPFFA #Local735
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As federal report on Hotel Hampton blaze looms, Easton’s chief says firefighting capacity lagging as risks grow
www.lehighvalleynews.com
Easton Fire Chief Henry Hennings said the Hotel Hampton blaze exposed critical staffing shortages, delayed response challenges and growing risks in high-occupancy buildings.3 CommentsComment on Facebook
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.1 CommentsComment on Facebook